Scholarship Targets College-Bound Cancer Survivors
American Cancer Society Award Develops Leadership Qualities in Recipients: Deadline April 24
DESERT COMMUNITIES
The American Cancer Society is calling for applicants to its Young Cancer Survivor Scholarship program. Up to $7,500 each will be awarded to 60-75 students to assist them with college tuition and nurture their leadership skills in the fight against cancer. Applicants must have received a cancer diagnosis at age 18 or younger and demonstrate financial need, as well as meet additional requirements. Download an application packet at www.cancer.org/scholar or contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 for more information. Application deadline is April 24, 2009.
The award stipulates that scholarship recipients volunteer with their local American Cancer Society. Students improve leadership qualities as they develop community outreach programs, participate in legislative advocacy and organize fundraising events.
“Students who weather the challenges and hardships that cancer brings often develop qualities of compassion, character and resilience—qualities that lend themselves to strong leadership,” said Russ Russell, volunteer, American Cancer Society Desert Palms Leadership Council Chair. “By providing them with financial assistance, the American Cancer Society helps young cancer survivors achieve the dreams and aspirations that gave them hope during their recovery and prepares them for a lifetime of community involvement.”
Each year, more than 1,500 children and young adults under age 20 are diagnosed with cancer in California. Due to progress in the treatment of childhood cancer, the majority of them grow to adulthood. Families touched by cancer often incur significant hardship due to loss of income, as well as treatment and rehabilitation expenses. By funding these scholarships, the American Cancer Society furthers its mission to measurably improve the quality of life for cancer survivors and their loved ones.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
